There are 54 named rivers

[okawbow]

To each his own. I sailed 3500 miles this year, from Kentucky to Maine, including about 1800 offshore miles. I enjoyed the sailing offshore the most. I spent 2 weeks in the Chesapeake, and it was enjoyable, but I couldn't wait to do an offshore passage again. It was just too hot and crowded in the Chesapeake for me, and the wind was never fair the whole time I spent there.

I too would like to cross oceans more than sail local waters.

 

[sailaway78]

A couple of things about offshore

There are a couple of things offshore you can't see anywhere else. First and most enjoyable for me is the night sky, and the absence of human activity. There are almost no places left in this country where the night sky is like it is 100 miles or more offshore. And as far as I know, no place close to salt water. Remember the milky way? It's still there, bright and beautiful as ever. Imagine being somewhere that you see absolutely no sign of any human. With the possible exception of an airplane strobe from time to time. And the glowing algae, or whatever it is, that leaves a soft glow in your wake. Simply beautiful. I also like the idea of being totally on my own. If it breaks, I have to fix it or it doesn't get fixed. Get in trouble, you get yourself out of it, any way you can.

 

[kloudie1]

I agree with Nice N Easy.. no place to see the moonless sky like from offshore a bunch of miles.
This thread is interesting.. My buddy who lives on the South River just south of Annapolis, has never been across the Bay to gunkhole .. He is getting to be in really poor health so "The Gang" (sailing group for many years and Mexico, Keys, Bahamas, East Coast to New York) are going to meet at his place and take him on a week long trip in his boat to the east side.. Waiting for a little more coolness and school to begin which should clear the water a bit. We were originally looking at circumnavigating the DelMarVa but his wife and doctors won't allow that.. so the east shore is going to be fun !

 

[Bill1565]

We plan to spend six months or so exploring the bay next summer. Any personal recommended cruising guides/ other resources? Years ago, we chartered a catamaran in Annapolis. Hooked up with a Multi hull club, went waaay off the beaten path. It was great.

 

[RichH]

Any personal recommended cruising guides/ other resources

"Guide to Cruising the Chesapeake" - Chesapeake Bay Magazine - available online from most marine bookstores, etc. and at most marinas & chandleries on the Bay.

Gunkholer's Guide to the Chesapeake - Shellenberger ... available from many online sources


My wife is an occasional co-editor of one of the above; and yes, we've visited almost each and every possible creek, river, and gunkhole on the Ches. Both are outstanding cruising guides for the SAILOR who is interested in anchoring in/on the Ches. ... they sort of 'compliment' one another.

 

[zeehag]

about that offshore......

sailing into the full moon and a sky full of stars on a gulf coast trip, raging pacific ocean in darkness with full moon and 60 kts of gale suddenly hit--wow!!!
watching life of the sea fly out of the sea and jump in front of your wake and your bow wake!... dolphins playing in the swells made from boat vs seas...wow!!!! whales blowing and breaching between you and a mexican island..as they migrate north..
catch of the day on the line being hauled into boat for dinner.....yummm
full and bye in a following sea..
nothing like being out in the blue with nothing around in sight except flying fish, albatross, frigates, jumping sail fish,porpoises,...an occasional tortoise floating by lifts his head to see what you are.....
full moon between my masts as we sail south...the sight of an island after no land in sight for many days---beeeyoootefuuullllll..